Strictly: Shirley Ballas tells fans that her life is 'bumpy'
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Back in October Shirley took to Instagram to explain that she was alerted by a flock of fans who were concerned about a lump under her arm. From there the Strictly star started on a whirlwind health journey that has seen her have numerous scans in the last few weeks. Now nervously awaiting scan results, the star was incredibly emotional whilst trying to keep a brave face. This comes as the star appears alongside five other famous females to explore some of the most hotly contested issues facing women today, in a new BBC Two show.
When asked for an update on her health scare, Shirley’s voice began to crack. Admitting that she would get “emotional,” the star continued to say that her life was far from the glitz and glam she is used to.
“I have to admit, life is a little bumpy for me at the moment,” Shirley said.
“It led to many other things. I don’t have the results yet but fans will be the first to know when there is a health update, I can only thank them.
“Life seems a little overwhelming.”
Previously the star said that she is taking things “a day at a time” after a shock twist revealed that her hormone levels were “all over the place.”
Doctors told Shirley that her testosterone levels were the “the highest [she had] ever seen in a female”, and her oestrogen levels were “extremely low”, leading to an overall concerning outlook.
Since then, the star has had to try and distract herself from feeling “dark and lonely,” a gruelling feat when doctors were “mortified by results”.
“I went along for some scans and other symptoms began to show up. I feel like I am a walking scan machine at the moment.
“But I will keep everybody updated on the results.”
“I do tend to worry, so for me it’s a case of keep busy, keep busy, keep moving,” she added.
This is not the first time Shirley’s health has been questioned. In 2019 the star had her breast implants removed after a breast cancer scare.
The star revealed publicly that her breasts went from a size DD to an A/B after having the surgery. Speaking to Lorraine Kelly at the time, she said: “I’m still getting used to it – all the clothes are a little bit different now.
“It was a DD, now it’s an A/B, it’s quite a difference in bust size. Before they were heavy, they were weighted, there was cancer in my family, I was concerned about that.”
If this wasn’t enough, the star had another cancer scare back in June when she found a lump on her shoulder.
Shirley’s mum Audrey was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2019, her grandmother had several procedures to combat the disease and her aunt also suffered from it, so getting checked out has always been a priority for Shirley.
UVA Health explains that hormone imbalances can be a sign of cancer. The American Cancer Society agrees, explaining that oestrogen is known to drive endometrial cancer, some kinds of breast cancer and other gynecologic cancers.
However, it is important to note that there are several other factors that can cause hormone imbalance. The most obvious reason for a lack of oestrogen is age.
As women enter the menopause, levels will naturally drop. During this time, women can also experience other symptoms including:
- Infertility
- Weak bones
- Painful intercourse
- Depression
- Hot flushes.
Shirley has spoken about struggling with menopause in the past. Speaking openly as ever, the star said that symptoms made her feel “depressed, tired and anxious.”
In an attempt to curb these symptoms Shirley turned to bio-identical hormones. But the success of this type of treatment has been hotly contested among medical professionals.
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